FKF Banfield Success Story: Rascal 2 2017

This is Rascal a 4-year-old dachshund/border collie mix. Earlier in the summer, Rascal starting having troubles going to the bathroom--more specifically, No. 2. He would strain and his mom could tell that he was uncomfortable. His mom tried adding more fiber to his diet, and changing up the food she did give him, but Rascal still seemed to strain when he went poopy, but was able to go potty without an issue.

Then, poor Rascal's bathroom habits suddenly changed; unfortunately, it got worse. Rascal was in so much pain when he tried to go poop that he would scream in pain. His mom is a single mom with one income, who already works two jobs. She was heartbroken because Rascal needed help, but she couldn't afford it. She learned about Fur Kids Foundation, and while she was talking to us over the phone we could hear poor Rascal screaming in pain. We told her to get him to the vet as soon as she could and had her submit an application at the same time. While they were at the vet’s office, they learned that Rascal had a double hernia and needed surgery right away.

A hernia is a condition that happens when the abdominal contents protrude through an opening in the muscle wall in the groin area. This condition can happen in both dogs and cats. Symptoms of a hernia may include:

1. Bloody urine
2. Depression or no interest in participating in their favorite activities
3. Frequent attempts to urinate
4. Lack of appetite
5. Pain
6. Swelling in the groin area on either or both sides that may become painful and warm to the touch
7. Vomiting
   

In dogs, hernias may be present at birth, or develop later on in life. Dogs who have gone through some kind of trauma, are overweight or have become pregnant are more susceptible to hernias. Most hernias are uncomplicated, which means they have no signs other than swelling in the groin area; unfortunately, if contents from the abdominal cavity (such as the bladder, a loop of intestines or the uterus) pass through the opening and become trapped, the situation can then be life-threatening.


Rascal's mom reported that Rascal is feeling better already after his surgery. She's working with the vet on what to look for if this ever happens again, but is hopeful her poor little Rascal never has to experience anything like this again.

Fur Kids Foundation was recently awarded a $3,500 grant from the Banfield Foundation® to be used to help the Gillette, Wyoming charity with their emergency veterinary assistance program. This funding helped the Foundation grant money to help Rascal's family with the vet visit. ​If you would like to help Fur Kids Foundation continue to help families with animals, please consider making a tax-deductible donation. The money helps families during a time when they may not be able to afford adequate veterinary care. Check out more Success Stories.